A seemingly inconsequential trade for the Colorado Avalanche among Eastern Conference teams could have positive consequences in Denver.
The Ottawa Senators dealt their former captain, Brady Tkachuk, to the Florida Panthers for three first-round picks and a second-rounder. That’s a steep price to pay for a guy who hasn’t really stepped up in the playoffs.
While Tkachuk remains relatively productive, even with injuries becoming an issue, the price Florida paid for him raised some questions.
The trade is just one of several major deals expected to happen. None of those rumored swaps involves the Avalanche, but should the Avs find themselves in a position to swing a deal, the rising price tags around the league bode well for Colorado.
In particular, we’re talking about Valeri Nichushkin. Plenty of online chatter posits that there is growing interest in the Russian winger. It makes sense as teams missing out on the major pieces like Brady Tkachuk, Dylan Larkin, and free agents like Alex Tuch could circle back to Colorado and inquire about Nichushkin.
It’s worth pointing out that the Avalanche don’t actually need to trade Nichushkin. But it’s good to know there is interest should Joe Sakic ever go down that route. That said, there is another interesting benefit from the trades happening this offseason.
Avalanche could seriously cash in on Nichushkin next deadline
So, what could be a reasonable expectation for a trade involving Nichushkin?
The return largely depends on the club making the move. A contender would mostly offer futures in the form of draft picks. It wouldn’t be ludicrous to think that the Avalanche could pluck a first-round pick for Nichushkin.
Also, a top-tier prospect wouldn’t be out of the question, either. That’s something sure to raise a few eyebrows. A first-round pick, a solid prospect, and, say, a secondary piece for Nichushkin?
If trade inflation keeps going the way it is, such a return may be par for the course. Since teams won’t have many options via free agency, they may have no other choice but to pay up in the trade market.
That’s so bueno for the Avalanche, but only if they wait. Trading Nichushkin this offseason would be a bad idea. If Colorado waits until the season begins, especially at the deadline, the price tag could really jump.
Now, there’s one final thought in this discussion. It all depends on whether Nichushkin has a good season or not. This past season, the 31-year-old scored 17 goals in 72 games. Considering he scored 21 tallies in 43 games in 2024-25, 2025-26 was disappointing.
But let’s assume he bounces back. Let’s say he’s on pace for a 28-goal season, as was his career high in 2023-24. Such a season would really drive up Nichushkin’s price tag and would help the Avalanche cash in, should they need to make a splash next trade deadline.
First, Joe Sakic would do well to sit by and wait to see how the market unfolds this summer.
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